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Pharmacy Courses in Hillsdale

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Pharmacy courses in Hillsdale

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Common questions

Often known as a ‘chemist’, a community pharmacy provides medication, healthcare advice, and retail products to customers. It’s a key component of the pharmacy industry which also comprises hospital pharmacy and industrial pharmacy.

What is the outlook for the community pharmacy sector?

With an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases, community pharmacies provide an essential service for almost every town and city in Australia. As the first port of call for health concerns, there are 443.6 million individual patient visits to pharmacies each year, making it a key part of the healthcare sector.

What roles are available in community pharmacies?

There are a number of roles in community pharmacies, including:
  • Pharmacists
  • - Who dispense medications, advise customers, and ensure patient safety.
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • - Who assists pharmacists with dispensing and customer service.
  • Pharmacy Assistants
  • - Who helps with customer service, sales, and some dispensing tasks.

What is the role of a pharmacy assistant?

Pharmacy assistants work in customer service, process sales, and may assist with dispensing medications under pharmacist supervision.

What qualifications are required for pharmacy assistants?

Under the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) a minimum S2/S3 certification is required to handle over-the-counter and pharmacist-only medications.

What is the role of a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists prepare and dispense medicines. In a community pharmacy, technicians are also often involved in customer service duties and provide medical advice to customers under the supervision of the pharmacist on duty.

How do I become a pharmacy technician?

To meet the requirements of the Pharmacy Board of Australia, a Cert IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary or SIRSS00012 Community Pharmacy Dispensary qualification is recommended.

Why should I consider a career in pharmacy?

Pharmacy careers offer:
  • Flexible working hours.
  • A mix of healthcare and customer service.
  • Opportunities for career advancement.
  • A stable and growing job market.

How can I enter the pharmacy industry?

An S2/S3 certification is a great way to get your foot in the door of the pharmacy industry. Completed online in as little as two days, this qualification does not require you to currently work in a community pharmacy and equips you to supply pharmacy medications and assist the pharmacist in the dispensary with the supply of pharmacist only medications.

What career pathways are available in the pharmacy industry?

You can progress from a pharmacy assistant to a senior role, become a pharmacy manager, or pursue further education to become a pharmacist. Other opportunities include hospital and industrial pharmacy roles.

Are there job opportunities in community pharmacies?

Yes, community pharmacies exist in cities, towns, and rural areas, ensuring employment opportunities nationwide.There are currently 39,900 pharmacy assistants and 6900 pharmacy technician positions in Australia, and the sector is growing.That said, it is a sought after part of the retail sector, with qualifications such as the S2/S3 allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

What skills are important for working in a pharmacy?

Author Image Cassandra Charlesworth

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More about Pharmacy courses

If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, Hillsdale offers a variety of excellent Pharmacy Courses to help you achieve your goals. With 21 courses available in the area, aspiring pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have ample opportunities to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Courses in community pharmacy, optical dispensing, and retail pharmacy can set you on the right track to fulfilling roles such as a Pharmacy Assistant or Optical Dispensing Assistant. These job roles not only provide rewarding career paths but also contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of the community.

Several esteemed training providers offer face-to-face courses in Hillsdale, making it convenient for students to access quality education. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia delivers the Certificate II in Community Pharmacy, providing foundational skills for those entering the field. Additionally, the ACOD offers the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, an excellent pathway for those keen on specialising in optical services. Local providers like WEAI with the Certificate III in Retail help students develop customer service skills crucial for pharmacy positions.

For those looking to dive deeper into the pharmaceutical sciences, institutions such as UOW offer the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), laying the groundwork for advanced roles in health research. If you're aligned with practical applications, the Australia Learning Institute offers a Skill Set in Infection Control for Retail, which is increasingly vital in today's health-centric climate. Additionally, well-established universities such as The University of Sydney and ACU allow students to pursue Bachelor-level qualifications to prepare for high-level positions in pharmacy and healthcare.

With local support from entities like Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and NSW Health, students in Hillsdale are well-equipped to launch their pharmacy careers. The Graduate Certificate in Health Research offered by NSW Health exemplifies the advanced education opportunities available in the area. Whether you're aiming to become a pharmacist, a pharmacy technician, or even delve into pharmaceutical research, Hillsdale's rich educational environment can provide the resources you need to succeed. Explore the array of Pharmacy Courses in Hillsdale today and take your first step towards an enriching career in pharmacy.